Trend alert: online personal trainers

2 mins to read

With the cost of living skyrocketing, hiring a personal trainer may not be high on your list of priorities. But for as little as $12 a week, online personal training can offer you motivation, guidance and accountability. By Andrew Cate.

Energy & exerciseEveryday health

There's a mini revolution brewing in the fitness industry. Psssst – some trainers now have more clients over the internet than face-to-face.

Online personal training gives you access to the skills, experience and knowledge of a personal trainer at a fraction of the cost.

Through email and web-based services, online trainers design an exercise and food program to suit your individual goals, needs and circumstances. They also offer motivation and support with regular email contact that can range from daily, to two times a week depending on the program.

Trainers will often use a variety of tools to add interest and increase your chances of getting results, such as videos, sound files, recipes, articles, checklists and quizzes.

Why use an online personal trainer?

There are a number of benefits that online personal training has to offer, including:

Motivational boost – Online personal training can serve as a short-term kick start towards a healthier lifestyle. Programs can be as short as six – eight weeks, which isn't too daunting, but enough to set you on the right course.
Value – There are a wide variety of programs to choose from, depending on duration and details. Prices vary dramatically, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 for four weeks to $600 for 12 months.
Convenience - A customised exercise program allows you to complement a gym membership, get more from your fitness equipment, or make the most of the great outdoors no matter where you live.
Personal attention – Programs will cater to your unique goals, injury history, medical condition, fitness level, and dietary requirements.

Checklist - What to look for when hiring an online trainer

Referrals from friends
A qualified, knowledgeable instructor (look for certificate 4)
An initial health assessment
Testimonials from other participants
Quick response time
Individual attention (not generic plans)
Program plans to suit your needs
Easy payment plans for long-term programs
No pressure to buy supplements

Why I hired an online trainer

Roger Martindale decided to use an online personal trainer, and lost seven kilograms in his first 12 weeks. "I couldn't believe it when a friend of mine hired a personal trainer over the internet who he'd never met. But as the kilos began to drop off, I had to find out more".

According to Mr. Martindale, "before I knew it, I had a spreadsheet in my inbox with an exercise and food plan, and I had to report back three times a week on my progress. I am pretty busy with my work, so having that accountability through email really made a difference. I even had to send in a picture of my fridge."

www.andrewcate.com